Paint Me Saved ✓ Book 1

16. A love like that...

Leonardo

I witnessed the phrase 'a person had many layers to them' turn into a phenomenon. 

When Antonio spoke about Zemira, I assumed her to be a serious, calm girl. Through our interactions, I witnessed the fun side of hers that she hid in plain sight. Today, after quaffing half a bottle of wine, she peeled off all remaining layers, revealing her truest form.

She posed for photos, talked to strangers and even went around embracing those who yelled her name. For a mere moment, she seemed happy. Unclasping everything that held her back, she breathed freely.

Nesting her in the comfort of the passenger seat, I drove. Her locks ruffled in the air when she tossed up the sunroof like the stallion's mane, making love with the wind. An untamed girl wasn't what I pictured her to be when we met but there she was, untamed yet caged.

Zemira blasted the music as engines revved, tires burnt up on the street.

"...No time for losers, for we are the champions... Of the sea..." Her bellowing overtook the lyrics.

"Of the world."

"Oh okay. Of the woooorld." Sliding her seatbelt off, she leaned over to my side. "Wchha doing?"

"Drinking..."

"Ohh, yay. Let me give you company."

With that, she went back to nurse her bottle, finishing its content. When we arrived, Zemira stumbled into the hall like a baby learning how to walk. The wine seemed to be her kryptonite.

"Why don't you remove those bamboos you're balancing yourself in?" I was concerned, she would trip sooner than later. She smacked my finger and carefully undressed her feet.

"It's a Louboutin."

"Lobe what?" I wasn't sure, what she said. 

Giggling at my words, she stepped out of them, closing her eyes while the cold of the floor soothed her pain. She stumbled, gripping my shoulders for stability only to drag me with her.

My mind relinquished control of my heart when her soft fingers ran over the side of my face. It took everything in me, not to peel her off the wall and over my body. 

Our gaze danced over each other, my hand-cage pulled her closer. Leaning in, I sought an invitation. She affirmed with a soft smile.

The clock chimed midnight.

It knocked off my drunken stupor. It reminded me constantly, one wrong move could destroy everything we worked for.

"I need to go." I pointed towards my bedroom. Zemira nodded gingerly, looking to her room.

Returning to the safety of my bedroom, I invigorated my body with long drawn breaths. Though every cell in my body pulsated hard, punishing me for leaving her, I knew I did the right thing. My forehead slanted over the wall, soothed by its cold kiss.

Was it the right thing to do?

My phone vibrated in my pocket, tossing up the reminder for tomorrow's event.

Squeezing open the doorknob, I walked out of my room. Darkness surrounded Zemira's room, verifying my assumption that she was asleep. I scribbled a note and I tucked it safely under a fridge magnet for her.

In this state of chaos, a hot shower felt like a good option. Inside my closet, I grabbed a towel and my track pants. My hands arrested their movement when my peripheral vision focused on a lone shelf.